Question : RURAL BUSINESS HUB SCHEME



(a) the aims and objectives of Rural Business Hubs (RBHs) Scheme;

(b) whether some of the products/furnishings manufactured through assistance under the said scheme have also been exported to other countries; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ(SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)

(a): The Rural Business Hubs (RBH) Scheme aims at synergistically linking the strengths of rural areas/producers with industry and marketing organizations so that rural products reach wider market and benefits of value addition are shared. The objectives of RBH Scheme are to identify rural products which have potential for national/ international markets and standardize their quality; to ensure value addition in rural products and increase production volumes to levels viable for marketing; to promote Rural Non-Farming Enterprises (RNFE) which utilize local skills and/or resources and promote rural employment and to foster mutually beneficial relations between the producers and Industrial houses. It has been decided to taper off the Scheme during the 12th Plan period.

(b) & (c): RBH projects have been sanctioned for various products including metal work, carpets, embroidery, biofuels, horticultural products etc. The Ministry is not maintaining data base about export of RBH products.